FAQ

What are the maintenance requirements of the BADU pumps?

BADU pumps are generally maintenance free. In order to guarantee a constant flow rate and sufficient filtering of the pool water, the strainer basket must be cleaned at regular intervals. From time to time you may also carry out a visual inspection.

How should I store my counter swim unit over the winter season?

Counter swim units installed in outdoor pools should be protected against frost over the winter season. Lower the water level in the pool to the bottom edge of the inlet connection. Disassemble the pump from the unit and store this in a dry room. Leave the valves half open so that the space in between can be drained.

How should I store my pump over the winter season?

It's simple: drain the pump and store it in a dry place, protected against frost. Cover it with a dust sheet.

How should I store my solar panel unit over the winter season?

At the end of the bathing season the solar panel unit must be completely drained in order to avoid frost damage. In addition, for solar panels on flat roofs or roofs with a decline of up to 30°, connecting sockets must be opened and the plates individually raised until they are completely drained.

How does the backwash function in the sand filter unit work?

The water from swimming pools is mainly cleaned using sand filters. These must be regularly backwashed in order to loosen up the sand bed and drain off the impurities that have been filtered into it. Filter backwash units assume the various operating functions of the 6-way valve, which must be set by hand. However our electronic backwash valves from the BADU Tronic series can take over this task fully automatically providing a simple and convenient alternative.

Are the BADU products certified?

SPECK Pumpen examine all of their products regularly and have them additionally tested by independent bodies. The high safety and quality standards are confirmed by various up to date examination and certification stamps. Therefore the most modern technology, standards and certified safety specifications are standard for BADU products. You will find CE, GS and other stamps on BADU products. We will be happy to provide you with more detailed information regarding these official seals.

Should the pump be turned off when the 6-way valve is being switched over manually?

We recommend turning the pump off in order to avoid a surge in the unit and for ease of handling.

How should the pump be started following a long period of disuse?

Before turning the pump on after a long period of disuse (e.g. winter), check to make sure that it can be moved easily. To do this, rotate the motor shaft lightly with the help of a screwdriver. Should the motor stick at all, this will loosen it. Should the pump still remain tight or an unusual noise become audible, have the pump examined by a trained professional.

How do I determine what the correct type of pump and device is?

Every product has its own classification. This can generally be found on the name plate on the pump housing. The name plate contains all important information.

Where can I buy SPECK Pumpen’s BADU products?

We strongly recommend the purchase and installation of BADU products from the premium range via our specialist retailers. Only then can your pump be installed professionally and according to the recognised rules of technology. Here you will find retailers in Europe and worldwide.

What is a 5 year quality guarantee?

The 5 year quality guarantee is available via the swimming pool specialist traders and is valid for the BADU Prime and BADU Bronze ranges. Wear and tear parts as well as improper operation are not covered under this 5 year quality guarantee. For further details please contact your specialist trader.

What are wear and tear parts?

Wear and tear parts are those elements which seal and rotate e.g. mechanical seals, o-rings, gaskets, the impeller and ball bearings. These wear and tear parts are not covered under warranty.

What is a mechanical seal?

The leak-proof area of the mechanical seal consists of two surface-ground adherents, low-wear surfaces, (for example rings made of carbon silicide or rather coal), which are compressed by axial power. The rotating seal ring (dynamic) rotates with the shaft, while the stationary seal ring (static) is set up in the housing. A thin film of water builds up between the sliding surfaces, which serves to lubricate and cool. Running dry causes immediate damage. In addition O-rings made from various elastomers are used as gaskets.

How do I change the mechanical seal?

Repairs should only be carried out by trained professionals!

What can cause a mechanical seal to break?

The mechanical seal consists of various wear and tear elements. They seal the pump between the housing and motor and consequently prevent water leaking out in the direction of the motor. It’s normal for a few drops of water to escape from time to time, especially during the running-in period. If the water continues to leak, the mechanical seal is broken.

What is a stuffing box/gland packing?

Materials for stuffing boxes are for example high value synthetic threads such as Kevlar® or Twaron®, PTFE, threads made from expanded graphite, synthetic mineral fibre threads as well as natural fibre netting such as hemp, cotton or cambric grass fibre. The material for the gland packing is available by the meter or as compression moulded rings in dry format or supplied with vacuum-pressure impregnation verified with the intended purpose. For goods supplied by the meter, a ring will first of all be cut and formed. Then the follower is assembled around the pump shaft and compressed with the help of the gland.

Why must a self-priming pump first be filled with water?

A self-priming pump must have a sufficient amount of water in the pump housing. Only then can air content be transported in the suction line. Therefore it is necessary to fill your BADU pump up to the inlet connection with water. Failing this, the pump may be damaged by dry running. Furthermore you shouldn't interrupt the suction process by continually turning the pump off and on, as the process will have to restart as a result.

What is a self-priming pump?

A self-priming pump has the ability to handle air and gas content and can aerate the suction line independently (evacuate air). During the initial start-up, the pump must first be filled.

How does a suction line have to be installed?

The air in a suction line collects at the "relatively highest“ point. A non-self-priming pump is not able to intake water over a „hill“. Therefore suction lines are always installed rising steadily towards the pump so that it cannot form air pockets.

Tips for the suction lines:

> Suction lines are at least the nominal diameter of the pump’s inlet adapters, when possible install a larger nominal diameter.> Keep the suction line as short as possible, long suction lines have increased frictional resistance, which greatly compromises the suction lift.> The suction line should be installed rising steadily towards the pump> Leakages should be avoided at any cost (they damage the pump and cause operational disorder)> Use curved parts (don’t use brackets)> Cross overs on the suction side should be installed off centre where possible.> Plan for a foot valve (strainer and check valve) on the end of the suction line.

How high can a pump prime?

The maximum suction height is theoretically 10.33 m - this depends on air pressure (1033 hPa=normal). Technically a maximum suction height of approximately 7 - 8 m can be gained. Resistance loss in the pump, connecting lines and fixtures must be deducted. Medium dependent factors (e.g. vapour pressure, density or viscosity), may reduce the suction height further.

What does the term cavitation mean?

If the static pressure drops to the vapour pressure of the liquid, the decreasing pressure in a flowing liquid (for example through pipe friction resistance, changes in the absolute speed and the geodetic head) leads to the build-up of vapour bubbles inside the liquid. The vapour bubbles will be swept along by the current and fall apart abruptly when the static pressure rises above the vapour pressure again through the increase of pressure in the pump on the flow path. This process is called cavitation. The vapour bubbles fall apart with the build-up of micro rays which, when they impact on the surface of the wall, lead to perforated material damage. To avoid cavitation, pay attention to the correct pressure maintenance.

Should the suction head, also known as static pressure, provided in the unit fall below the intake height required for the pump, a balance must be established using appropriate measures. Ways to achieve this are:

> Increasing the static pressure (install the pump lower down)> Reducing the medium temperature (reduce the vapour pressure pD)> Reducing the loss of friction and current in the suction line/feed line> Select a pump with less net positive suction head (NPSH) (as a rule: larger pumps)

What do the different Ingress Protection ratings mean?

The two digits with the abbreviation IP indicate the protection rating a product has been given. The following table shows the meanings of each rating. If one of the two figures does not have to be indicated, it will be replaced by the letter X (for example “IPX1”).

The letters IP stand for the type of protection and xx is replaced as follows:

Protected against solid objects over 1 mm (tools, wires, and small wires).

IP5X

Protected against dust limited ingress (no harmful deposit).

IP6X

Totally protected against dust.

2nd digit for protection against water:

IPX0

No special protection

IPX1

Protected against vertically falling drops of water e.g. condensation.

IPX2

Protected against direct sprays of water up to 15o from the vertical.

IPX3

Protected against direct sprays of water up to 60o from the vertical.

IPX4

Protected against water sprayed from all directions.

IPX5

Protected against low pressure jets of water from all directions.

IPX6

Protected against temporary flooding of water, e.g. for use on ship decks.

IPX7

Protected against the effect of immersion.

IPX8

Protected against long periods of immersion under pressure.

IPX9 K

Protected against water sprayed from all directions, also against high pressure against the housing ( 80-100 bar)

Where could flow noise in a closed heating system come from?

Flow noises have different causes. Turbulence and friction of the flow meter on the surface of the flowing parts cause a noise which is perceived as hissing. Moreover friction sequences cause an uneven speed distribution in the waterproof stratum, which can lead to a changing flow separation with succeeding vertebration. By slowing down the flow speed (lower pumping rotation speed or a smaller pump), the noise is decreased or completely avoided. Another wave of noise is air, which enters the system because the pressure is too low.

When it comes to heating pumps, why is the height of a house not the same as the delivery height?

The resistance of the pipeline network in a closed unit is crucial in determining the dynamic head of a heater circulation pump. This comes from the sum of the resistance, for example fixtures, the length of the pipe, curved parts etc. The height of the house is identical in the flow pipe and return pipe and cancels itself out in a closed circuit.

Why are dirt traps important in heating units?

A dirt trap holds back dirt and rust particles in the heating water. Not cleaning the heating water following the initial operation and during operation can cause damage to the pump, thermostat valves, backflow inhibitor etc. Many heating pumps give out because of magnetic debris (a backlog of corrosion) in the can.

Can I use a heating pump as a circulation pump for drinking water?

No, the wet material of a heating pump doesn’t have KTW (plastics in drinking water) approval. This is a requirement for using pumps in drinking water.